OK then, a Dutch thread

The stated aim of the Dutch governement and sports administrators is to be one of the ten leading sports countries in the world. Which is ambitious for such a small country, to say the least. My prediction is they will fall short this time, but should still come 12th-13th in the medals table.

Unfortunately a medal in athletics isn't too likely, unless in the shot put with Rutger Smith. Other hopes include the male beach volleyball duo, the baseball team, and of course the soccer team which is the reigning double European Champion.

The stated aim of the Dutch governement and sports administrators is to be one of the ten leading sports countries in the world.

When Norway have a similar aim (I think it's top ten here too actually) we count the winter medals. Do the Dutch as well?

The football team looks half-decent. Think Babel will withdraw with an injury though.

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Dutch Soccer team is going to Olympics after 50 years...Is there any reason why they didn't participate for so long ?

Basically they have been ****e for 50 years. The U23 or amateur team was never taken seriously, so there were no serious efforts to qualify. That changed a few years ago, with instant rewards in winning the Euro champs twice and thus qualifying for Beijing. They should get out of the group, and then it's basically a lottery.

Theo Bos should get a medal or two. If cyclo-cross was an Olympic sport then Lars Boom would of had a great chance.

Yeah, the track cyclists should get a fair collection of medals. For me, the track cycling battles between GB and the Netherlands will be among the highlights of the Olympics.

In road cycling, Marianne Vos is the big favourite for the women's road race, and there's always a chance one of the men nicks a medal in the same event. In the time trial Stef Clement should finish close to a medal position as well.

In BMX there are some medal favourites as well, although unfotunately in my gfavourtie event, the mountain biking, things are not looking good.